Introducing the New Crescent Groove Glass Nail Files by Top Notch Nail Files!

When a brand new product or invention is introduced that is so unique and so different it will forever change an industry, that is called “market disruption.” Its a unique position and major kudos for a company when they get to disrupt a marketplace. Top Notch Nail Files is beyond excited that we are disrupting the mani-pedi industry with a brand new line of nail files: Crescent Groove Glass Nail Files!

These files are curved for perfect filing and shaping of your nail in one swoop!

Why “Crescent Groove” Glass Nail Files?

We named the files “Crescent” because they are crescent shaped. The files are made entirely of glass and measure just shy of 1/4″ thick. On the inside of the curved part of the crescent is an indentation in the glass which is roughened. To file your nails, simply run your nail inside this groove and you will file and shape your nail at the same time! Either all or part of the Crescent shape is covered with a thick, decorated, rubberized handle. This handle makes these files very easy to grip and hold on to. The Crescent Groove Glass Nail Files are perfect for everyone, but their extra thickness and the rubberized handle makes them especially easy to use for people with small hands or who suffer from arthritis or other conditions that make it difficult to hold onto regular nail files.

The Crescent Groove and Surface Glass Nail File features the same indentation which is the groove filing surface, but it also has a smaller handle so that we could make room for a glass filing surface as well. In other words, this glass nail file has the grooved filing indentation, rubberized handle and a glass filing surface on part of the handle.

Lastly, the Crescent Groove and Surface Glass Nail File Keychain! Yes, we put a hole in the end of the glass file and added a keychain ring! Whether you use it as a keychain or use the keychain ring to attach your Crescent Glass Nail File inside your gym bag, hand bag or briefcase, you will always be able to quickly locate your glass nail file whenever you need it!

The Crescent Groove and Surface Glass Nail File features the same grooved filing surface located on the inside curve of the file. This file has a smaller handle grip to make room for roughened glass filing surface on both sides of the file.

The Crescent Groove and Surface Keychain Glass Nail File features the same grooved filing surface located on the inside curve of the file. This file also has a roughened glass filing surface on the flat parts of the Crescent and a smaller handle grip on both sides of the file and a key chain!

Be ready to fall in love with these brand new Crescent Groove Glass Nail Files. They are patented so be sure to buy your Crescent Groove Glass Nail Files from Top Notch Nail Files. All of our files feature the holographic patent sticker on the back of each case and our Top Notch Nail File sticker bearing our website and toll free number also located on the back of each glass nail file case.

Each Crescent file comes in its own thick velvety pouch for added protection.

Top Notch Nail Files continues to be the top selling, most favorite online store for glass nail files in the US and Canada and throughout the world. We have shipped to hundreds of countries large and small. Top Notch only sells patented glass nail files from the Czech Republic. We work directly with the family who first invented and patented the glass nail file. Top Notch Glass Nail Files continue to gain popularity and favoritism over emery boards and metal files because of their hygienic qualities, ease and efficiency of use and how much they help people with dry, cracked, brittle nails.

Top Notch Glass Nail Files and Pumice Files are hygienic for several reasons. Glass is non-porous so bacteria as a whole doesn’t grow infectiously on it like on emory boards made of porous cardboard. Top Notch Glass Nail Files can also be washed and sanitized both at home and in a professional setting. At home you can spray with alcohol, disinfectants, hydrogen peroxide or simply run under warm water and wash with soap. You can also put your glass nail files in your dishwasher! Professionally, Top Notch Glass Nail Files can be sanitized using an auto-clave, disinfectant soaks and UV light. They meet FDA requirements to be used in professional nail salons.

Top Notch Glass Nail Files and Pumice are excellent files to use when nurturing back to health dry, cracked, brittle and weak nails. Emory boards and metal files tear the nail as they file which can leave the tip of the nail open and exposed to the elements and ripe for attracting tiny particles of dirt and debris to settle in the open, exposed nail tip. A Top Notch Glass Nail File seals the nail tip as it files and it gently smooths the nail tip to file it down to a smooth finish. You will notice you don’t get jagged edges that have to be smoothed out when you use a Top Notch Glass Nail File. When the tip of your nail is sealed, its difficult for water and tiny particles to settle inside the nail tip, so your nails can grow longer and stronger.

Why do you keep reading “Top Notch Glass Nail Files” instead of just “glass nail files?” All glass nail files are not manufactured the same and unless they bear the holographic patent sticker they are a lesser grade, lesser quality and unfortunately, not even legal to be sold in the US or Canada.

You may own one yourself or have given one a test spin at a women’s show or local fair; the glass nail file.

Its sleek, colorful and very chic but is it worth its $8-$10 price tag and is it superior to the emery boards we purchase by the dozen? How does it stand up against a metal file?

Emery Board Nail Files

Emery boards are cardboard with small grains of sand adhered to them and in fact are interchangeable with sandpaper. As you slide it across your nail tip, the emery board tears the end of the nail producing a rough edge which is the nature of how it works.

With emery boards you should file in one direction in order to minimize damage to the nail during the filing process.

Emery boards are sandpaper adhered to a cardboard stick and come in different grits so you can file your nail down in length, shape it and then do your best to tame those jagged edges.

The coarseness of grit you choose to use depends upon if you have weak, thin, fragile nails or hard, strong, thick nails.

Unfortunately in doing the job they are designed to do emery boards cause more harm than good to your nails. When using an emery board, you leave the tip of the nail “open” as opposed to being “closed”, just like pores on your face are opened and closed throughout the process of a facial.

Leaving the nail edge “open” means dirt and water can leech inside the nail itself causing chipping, cracking, peeling and weakening of the nails. Also, the harshness of the grinding action of the sandpaper weakens the nail.

Because of the porous nature of the cardboard, glue and sand, dirt and debris can get imbedded into the file and fungus and bacteria can grow rampantly. Though you might not see it with your eyes, a good micro-biologist and a microscope will enlighten you as to what’s really on your emery board.

There is no way to clean or sanitize an emery board and they are so subject to bacteria that you should toss out your emery board after each use. This is the mandated practice per the FDA in professional salons and this bring us to the environmental factor. The emery board scores very low on the “green-o-meter”. At least one entire football stadium can be filled each year with tossed aside emery boards and it takes years for one to fully decompose in the ground. Let’s not forget all the trees it takes to make emery boards.

Metal Nail Files

Metal files are manufactured in two ways: one, there are actual tiny flakes of metal adhered to a metal or cardboard stick and two, a metal stick is formed and the stick itself is roughened to create the filing surface. In both cases tiny, minuscule bits of metal flake off when filing. While metal is a lot stronger and more durable than sand granules, the metal used to make the files is usually of a lower grade and actually quite soft as far as metals go.

Metal files also grind the nail and leave the nail tip “open” as opposed to “closed”. Due to the nature of the metal bits on the file, dirt and debris can be trapped between the tiny little metal-like “teeth” and can stick to the metal. Metal is non-porous so bacteria growth on the file itself is not likely, however the make-up of a metal file is such that it doesn’t pass FDA standards for professional re-use on clients in a spa setting.

On the “green-o-meter” metal files score higher than their cardboard friends because of the lack of trees used in their production. Metal does off-gas chemicals during the production process and metal files should be thrown out after several uses since they cannot be sufficiently sanitized.

They take a lot longer than emery boards to decompose in landfills.

Glass Nail Files

There are two ways that glass nail files are manufactured, first tiny glass filings are adhered to a glass stick using a super-glue like substance combined with heat. Your highest quality glass files are manufactured from the second method of manufacturing which is to cut from actual pre-treated sheets of thick glass and the surface of the crystal is treated in the manufacturing process to roughen it, creating the filing surface.

The glass nail file glides over the nail tip. It doesn’t tear the nail like the emery board or metal file, so you can file in both directions and it smooths out the nail tip as it files. No jagged edges to smooth out.

When you file your nails with a glass file you’ll notice how smooth the nail tip is.The glass file closes the nail tip and actually seals it, preventing water and debris from leaching into your nail.

After using a crystal nail file for a period of about one month, users report a noticeable difference in their nails being stronger and they “don’t chip and crack and peel as much”.

Glass is non-porous and very hygienic. No bacteria or debris can grow on the filing surface, nor get trapped in the roughened surface of the crystal file. The same is true for the crystal pumice file which can be left right in the bathtub without fear of mold, mildew, fungus or bacteria growing in it or on it!

There are no varying grits of a glass file, with the exception of the pumice file. The pumice file is made with a coarser surface and can be used for calluses, dry skin, toe nails and artificial nails.

Glass nail files meet all of the sanitization requirements of the FDA. They can be sanitized in alcohol, under UV light, and baked in an autoclave. Because of their hygienic nature, glass files are perfect for diabetics – especially the pumice file. You don’t have to worry about cutting yourself while you’re taking care of your feet, the way diabetics do.

Glass nail files will last years, if not a lifetime. The glass nail file scores high ratings on the “green-o-meter” because its made from recycled materials and several factories use lead-free, environmentally safe dyes. They last for such a long time that landfills will not be largely impacted by constant consumption and they are recyclable !

10 Tips For Healthy Nails and Toes

We usually don’t think too much about our nails. We may or may keep them polished and pretty but as far as their overall health is concerned we don’t put too much attention on them.

Nails are a hardened keratin layer that protects and supports the tissues in our fingers and toes. Its important to keep them strong and healthy. Developing good nail habits are important.

To keep your nails healthy, dermatologists recommend:

1. Keep nails clean and dry. This helps prevent bacteria and other infectious organisms from collecting under the nail.

2. Cut or file nails straight across, rounding them slightly with a nail file at the tips for greatest strength. Be sure to use clean (sterilized) sharp nail scissors, sterilized nail clippers or a clean glass nail file to make sure you are using bacteria-free equipment. Filing the nails into points weakens them.

3. Keep nails shaped and free of snags.

4. Avoid biting fingernails, and never remove the cuticle.

5. Trim toenails regularly to keep them short.

6. When caring for extra thick toe nails soak feet in warm salt water (one teaspoon of salt per pint of water) for five to 10 minutes. Lightly dry feet using a patting motion and apply urea or lactic acid cream. This softens the nails, making them easier to trim.

7. Avoid “digging-out” ingrown toenails, especially if they are already infected and sore. See a dermatologist or podiatrist for treatment. (Ingrown toenail hack – if the ingrown toenail isn’t too deep and is only mildly sore without redness or swelling, you can cut a small “V” in the center of the nail edge. Doing so will help alleviate the pressure of the ingrown nail and it usually will then just grow out. Keeping these small “V’s” cut into your toe nails can help prevent ingrown toe nails.)

8. Wear shoes that fit properly and alternate pairs. Toes with pointy toes can aggravate toe nails so be sure to alternate shoe styles to give your toes a break from the pointy stilettos.

9. Report any nail irregularities to your dermatologist or Doctor. Swelling, pain and changes in the color of your nails could signal a serious problem.

10. Be especially vigilant of nail problems if you have diabetes or poor circulation. At the first sign of a problem, see your Doctor.

What? Point to my where? Keratins are strong, fibrous proteins that make up claws, beaks, hooves, shells, fish scales and your very own hair, nails and teeth! Keratin gets its hardness (hooves, teeth & nails) and its softness (skin and feathers) from the amino acids which form with the keratin.

Let’s learn more about nails so you can grow healthy, natural nails and learn how your nails send warning signs about looming health issues.

The Half Moon At the Nail Base

The half moon at the nail base is essentially where your nails begin to grow. This half moon is where new skin cells grow and the older cells are pushed forward and outward. The older cells begin to harden and form what we see – the finger nail and the toe nail.

How Fast Do Nails Grow?

Finger nails grow generally at a rate of 2 -3 millimeters each month. The level of growth is affected by nutrition factors which include the amount of certain nutrients in the body. Also one’s overall health is a factor in nail growth. Men’s nails typically grow faster than women’s, with the exception of during pregnancy. Whichever is the dominant hand, usually experiences faster growth than the other hand. Lastly, hormones can affect how fast or slow nails grow.

A Window of Health

Does your doctor check your nails during exams? She isn’t doing this to make sure your manicure looks nice – nails are a window into your body and offer a quick peak at what could be going on within.

Ridges, Dents, Bumps, Splitting, Cracking & Hang Nails

Dents – Dents indicate a nail injury is growing out. Perhaps you slammed your finger with a hammer or it got caught in a door.

Vertical Ridges – Vertical Ridges are usually a sign of iron deficiency or overall poor nutrient absorption. This can also signify kidney issues or poor health overall.

Bumps and Vertical Ridges – Bumps and vertical ridges are a sign that arthritis could be developing within the body.

Splitting and Peeling – Splitting and peeling nails can be a sign of lowered levels of basic nutritional supplements such as calcium, vitamin C, zinc and omega-3’s.

Chipping, Peeling, Cracking – Nails that just don’t seem strong, often times can be remedied by increasing your intake of protein and a good multi-vitamin supplement.

Nail Color

White – White nails can be a sign of liver disease.

Half White, Half Pink – This combination can signify kidney disease.

Red Nail Bed – A red nail bed can alert one to heart conditions.

Yellowish Nail – Yellow nails can set off the alarm for your lungs, or signal the on-start of diabetes.

Pale Nails – Pale nail color can identify anemia.

For remedies to unhealthy nails, see our next article “Growing Healthy, Strong Nails”. As always, you should visit your medical or homeopathic doctor for good, overall health. Bodies change as we go through life. Stress levels increase and decrease and the very levels of nutrients our bodies consume change as the months and years go by. The right level of vitamin C last year may need to be altered this year. If you see slight changes be mindful of any alterations in your diet or exercise program. Also, medications can have an affect on your nails as well as the way your body absorbs nutrients. Lastly – there are many vitamin supplements on the market, if you’re not seeing results with your current vitamin supplement – switch and try another one. Supplements are only as good as they work and there are hundreds to chose from. Keep a watchful eye on your nails and use them as a window to good health and longevity. Not just a pretty hand, do nails make!

Colleen Lloyd-Roberts is a corporate executive turned entrepreneur, when she realized one day that she would never have financial freedom working for someone else, no matter how high up the corporate ladder she climbed. Colleen sells her own products, including a patented invention, as well as being a major leader in the network marketing industry. Colleen’s enthusiasm coupled with her own “in the trenches” track record position her as an excellent role model for anyone looking to be truly successful in starting up and growing their own home based business.

Crystal nail files are a MUST HAVE in your spring beauty tool box for DIY manicures and pedicures! This spring natural nails are all the glam! Perfectly shaped finger nails with clear coat or sheer polish is the popular look on red carpets and runways all over the world. The perfect crystal file for both fingers and toes is the best beauty tool because its easy to use, hygienic, healthy for your nails and very cost effective! You will be date night and runway ready without having spent a fortune at the nail salon!

Why do we recommend crystal files over emory boards and metal files for achieving the perfect look? A few simple glides of a crystal file over the nail can smoothly shape the nail and easily take off any undesired extra length. Crystal seals the nail tip closed as it files helping to keep water, dirt and bacteria from seeping into the nail tip. This is one of the reasons why after using a crystal file for about one month, you will notice your nails are growing stronger and are more resistant to chipping, peeling and cracking. Building strength in your nails is important if you want the glamour of an all natural look.

Emory boards and metal files roughen and tear the nail, this is the nature of how they file. When you use one of these traditional tools, you usually need a rougher filing surface to shorten and shape and then a softer, gentler surface to smooth out any ridges. Crystal files are gentle and yet effectively accomplish the tasks of shortening, shaping and smoothing in just a few strokes!

The healthier and stronger your finger nails are the younger and sexier your hands look! Sheer polish and natural looking nails are the perfect look for the spring season! Top it off with a healthy dollop of hand cream throughout the day to keep your hands soft, dewy and sexy.

Get your toes ready for their big spring debut by pumicing winter from your heels, toes and the balls of your feet using a crystal pumice file! These files are very effective and very safe! Traditional pumice stones and the newest metal “cheese-grater looking devices” can be harsh and cause bleeding. The crystal pumice file will safely and effectively remove dry, dead skin and even the roughest tootsies will be baby-bottom smooth and soft! They are very hygienic because they are non-porous making it difficult for bacteria, mold and mildew to grow on them.

Crystal files are very easy to maintain. As with all beauty tools, proper maintenance is key to longevity and hygiene. Bacteria can lead to infections. Crystal files can be cleaned by rinsing them under warm water and washing with a mild soap or you can toss them into the dishwasher!

Enjoy healthy, sexy and fashionable fingers, toes and feet this spring with a crystal file as your number one beauty tool!

Colleen Lloyd-Roberts is a corporate executive turned entrepreneur, when she realized one day that she would never have financial freedom working for someone else, no matter how high up the corporate ladder she climbed. Colleen sells her own products, owns a patent and has countless copywrites and trademarks. She is also a major leader in the network marketing industry. Colleen’s enthusiasm and success coupled with her own “in the trenches experience” put her in a position as an excellent role model for anyone looking to be truly successful in starting up and growing their own home based business.

Be Hand and Feet-wise this season…..Summer is a time when hands and feet can take an unexpected battering. Long walks on the beach, swimming, outdoor sporting activities, gardening and even craft activities at home, like painting, can play havoc with the skin and nails on your hands and feet. They now need rescuing and preparation for the winter months ahead!

Taking care of your hands when you are young, can delay hand and feet aging. Many people develop arthritis and stuffness in their hands in older years and taking good care of them with massage and good products can greatly improve this. Watching your diet can have a direct effect on your nails and their general well-being. Nails that are soft and flaky, could be the result of a missing vitamin in your diet. Taking an OTC nail supplement can help in strenthening your nails.

Always use nail files, clippers and polishes that are totally clean and sanitized. Using a nail file that someone else has used, can transfer bacteria and cause nail fungi to grow under your nails, which is very hard to get rid of. Always use nail files that can be completely sterilized.

Always wear gloves and protective shoes where possible. Everyone wants to feel close to nature during the summer and we forget how fragile and vulnerable our extremities are at this time of year.

Use a good nourishing hand and foot cream every evening before bedtime.

If you notice hard, cracked skin developing on your heels, don’t wait until it becomes a real problem, start by keeping your pumice file in the shower and use it on dry skin every time before taking a shower.

Each bedtime use a good foot softener product to soften dry cracked heels and pull on a pair of socks to keep the cream from soiling your bed clothes

Waterproof socks with a plastic lining inside, work really well to keep the cream in contact with the skin, and not get absorbed by the socks

If you spend long periods in the car, try and protect your hands from constant sunlight. You may not notice anything now, but as you age, your hands will develop dark spots and wrinkles, and they are not easy or inexpensive to get rid of.

Use a great sunscreen on hands and feet at all times. There is nothing as painful as sunburned hands or feet.

Colleen Lloyd-Roberts is a corporate executive turned entrepreneur, when she realized one day that she would never have financial freedom working for someone else, no matter how high up the corporate ladder she climbed. Colleen sells her own products, including a patented invention, as well as being a major leader in the network marketing industry. Colleen’s enthusiasm coupled with her own “in the trenches” track record position her as an excellent role model for anyone looking to be truly successful in starting up and growing their own home based business.

Ambiance is pampering for the soul and a large reason why men and women visit spas in the first place. It takes the same amount of time to get a mani/pedi at home as it does at the spa, actually less time if you count driving, looking for a parking space and walking to and from the spa. You can quickly and easily create a spa ambiance in your home by lighting one or more candles and popping in a little Enya or Classical music. It transforms your state of mind from “I have to do my nails” to “I’m so looking forward to my manicure!” To really maximize relaxation, the more of your 5 senses involved in your at home spa experience, the better. Sip on your favorite hot tea from a beautiful china tea cup found at an antiques shop or, enjoy your favorite glass of vino from an unusual piece of stemware. Keep your drinking vessels tucked away and use them only during your spa time. Purchase extras for when you invite girlfriends to enjoy spa day with you. We love the scents, look and healthiness of handmade candles Made by Elizabeth.

The Perfect Manicure

1. Remove nail polish. Use a remover with an acetone in it because it gets the job done quickly and easily. We love removers that have extra conditioners or herbals in them. They remove your polish and nourish your nail all in one step.

2. Soak finger tips in lemon water. Squeeze 1/2 slice of lemon into a small bowl filled with warm water and soak your finger tips. This helps to remove yellowing from polish.

3. Remove dead skin and cuticles. We recommend, Nu Skin’s Body Lufra. Your hands will feel as soft as the day you were born! Rub the Lufra into your hands, paying extra attention to your cuticles. If you do this regularly, you won’t need a cuticle stick and you won’t get pesty, painful hang nails.

4. Remove any stubborn calluses on palms and fingers. Using the Top Notch large pumice file, gently rub in a circular motion over stubborn writing calluses or roughened palms. Rinse your hands and pumice file.

5. File your nails. Crystal files are best because they gently glide across the nail, sealing it as it files. No tearing, no need to file the sides of your nails and no buffing required! We recommend Top Notch crystal nail files.

6. Apply a base coat. We use and recommend LA Girls Calcium. These folks just got it right when they created a base coat! We discovered this product at a beauty supply store in CA. After failed attempts at repairing nails which were covered up by artificial tips for years, we found this formula got our nails in top notch shape! So we called the company and asked if we could share it with our customers and they happily agreed. We promise, you’ll love, love, love this product!

7. Optional step. If you are repairing your nails and nurturing them back to being strong and healthy, skip to step 8. Reapply Calcium to your nails again tomorrow (it dries quickly), then reapply a third time. Wait about 5 days, remove your Calcium and start the application process again. After a few weeks and coupled with using your Top Notch crystal nail file, you will start to see a real difference in your nails. For greater strength take the vitamin supplement Image HNS. Taken regularly, you’ll see and feel a noticeable different in your hair, nails and your skin in just a few weeks.

8. Apply polish in your color palette and finish with a top coat. Selecting the right color of polish will really complete your overall look. Your nails, like a piece of jewelry are an accessory to compliment your overall look. Just as certain colors make us look washed out or pale, the color of nail polish has the same effect. To find out what your colors are, check out Jill Kirsch Color to see what is the best color palette for you. I was amazed to find out what color category I was in! I had it all wrong and now that I’ve got it right, it’s totally amazing!

9. Finish off with Perennial Body Lotion. This lotion goes on smooth, has a clean, fresh scent and absorbs quickly into your skin, leaving your skin feel incredibly soft, smooth and very sexy.

Colleen Lloyd-Roberts is a corporate executive turned entrepreneur, when she realized one day that she would never have financial freedom working for someone else, no matter how high up the corporate ladder she climbed. Colleen sells her own products, including a patented invention, as well as being a major leader in the network marketing industry. Colleen’s enthusiasm coupled with her own “in the trenches” track record position her as an excellent role model for anyone looking to be truly successful in starting up and growing their own home based business.